COMMISSION OFFERS UPCOMING PUBLIC WORKSHOP AND FORUMSHuman Rights in the Workplace public workshop:Edmonton: October 5, 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF THE COMMISSION AND TRIBUNALS RE: EID AL-FITR(July 6, 2016)"On this Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking of the Fast), which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, I would like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful day," says Mr. Robert Philp, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission.

"There has been an increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the last three years, including incidents of hate, prejudice and religious intolerance against Muslims in Alberta, such as Islamophobic graffiti in Calgary and Fort Saskatchewan and damage to a mosque in Cold Lake.

"Islamophobia or any kind of religious intolerance is not acceptable. Everyone should be able to participate in and contribute to the cultural, social, economic and political life of the province freely without discrimination.

"Alberta's human rights legislation, the Alberta Human Rights Act, protects against discrimination based on 15 grounds, including race, religious beliefs, ancestry and place of origin.

"The Commission supports a number of projects that address Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination directed at ethno-cultural and religious minorities. One of these projects being completed by immigrant- and refugee-serving agencies will develop educational tools and resources to prevent discrimination directed toward immigrant and refugee populations.

"We must remain committed to protecting our fundamental human rights and creating a society where all people are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities."

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF THE COMMISSION AND TRIBUNALS RE: THE ORLANDO MASS SHOOTING(June 13, 2016)"The Orlando tragedy, where 49 people were killed and 53 injured, was committed based on hatred and intolerance, which have no place in our society," says Mr. Robert Philp, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission.

"Alberta is a province that values diversity and inclusion, and Albertans recognize the richness of life that is enhanced by our diversity. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community against hatred, intolerance and violence.

"We must remain committed to protecting our fundamental human rights and creating a society where all people are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities."

COMMISSION RELEASES NEW INFORMATION SHEET: RELIGIOUS BELIEFS(April 2016) The Commission has developed a new information sheet to provide Albertans with information on religious beliefs as a protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act. Read the Religious Beliefs information sheet.

MARCH 21: INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATIONMarch 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. You can read about the day, the 2016 theme and a message from Mr. Robert Philp, Queen's Counsel, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, in the March 21, 2016 special issue of the Commission newsletter.